negotiations continue today in washington to avoid the so-called fiscal cliff, but so far there's been more rhetoric than resolve. there's now less than a month to head off the automatic tax hikes and spending cuts that will kick in next year. john boehner said he can't believe the latest white house proposal. the obama administration insists there's no deal without a tax increase. susan mcginnis is in washington with details this morning. susan, good morning to you. >> reporter: good morning, terrell. it may appear the two sides are nowhere but these talks are expected to pick up dramatically very soon. december is here and as they say here in washington the lawmakers can smell the jet fumes meaning the planes taking them home for their holiday recess. what we're hearing there should be a deal by christmas. the white house is already decorated for the holidays but the mood here in washington is anything but festive. >> i think we're going over the cliff. >> reporter: if congress doesn't act america will ring in the new year with $110 billion in spending cuts and a $500 billion tax inc